The concept of a ‘World Oceans Day’ was first proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

The oceans have a major role in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe. They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.

The purpose of World Oceans Day is to remind the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.

“You can make a difference today – and every day — by doing simple things like carrying your own water bottle, coffee cup and shopping bags, recycling the plastic you buy, avoiding products that contain microplastics and volunteering for a local clean-up.”— António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations